Bill > PR26-0519

This resolution declares an emergency situation necessitating amendments to existing laws regarding energy efficiency in buildings. Specifically, it aims to modify the Green Building Act of 2006, which requires certain government-owned or financed projects to meet "net zero energy" standards – meaning they produce as much energy as they consume over a year. The resolution proposes to exempt some nonresidential projects from these strict net zero requirements and to adjust the standards for others. It also seeks to change the definition of "net-zero-energy standards" and the types of projects these standards apply to, as outlined in the Clean Energy DC Building Code Amendment Act of 2022. The context for this emergency declaration stems from the financial and operational challenges faced by the District government in meeting these energy efficiency mandates, with the Department of General Services (DGS) indicating an intent to deviate from current legal requirements. The resolution also acknowledges previous emergency legislation that exempted affordable housing projects from these requirements and aims to provide certainty for future affordable housing development by modifying these standards.

https://lims.dccouncil.gov/Legislation/PR26-0519